25/03/2024
Visiting this market on Flores Island was an overwhelming and exhilarating assault to the senses. The smells, colours, textures, crowds and sounds hit you as soon as you step off the scooter and head into the maze and chaos happening under the canopy of blue tarps.
It was amazing.
Being a photographer here felt like being a kid in a candy store... Everywhere you looked there was a photo waiting to be captured. The colourful produce, varieties of fresh fish, items and things for sale you never see in the western world (hello machetes, to***co leaves by the bagful and fresh popcorn coming out of a contraption that is standing the test of time), the boats and more than anything, the people.
The vendors, children, fisherman and shoppers all going about their day with two white people coming through to cause a bit of hype and excitement. Among the many stares came just as many beautiful people who wanted to say hi and be so welcoming to us. Offering foods for us to try, shaking hands, having a short conversation if they could speak English or they understood our very limited Bahasa and some letting me take their photo if they weren't too shy about it.
We really didn't spend too long here at the market, but at the same time looking back it and reminiscing that morning, it also feels like an age in itself.
Our friends Sevin and Indra walked out with bags and bags of goodies and treated us to a wholesome lunch back at Casa Bonelly. Meanwhile Liam and I were in a bit of a daze about the whole incredible experience. I'll share a reel soon with some video footage of our market trip.
Who is your favourite market portrait?? I love the rooster lady but the last photo also has my heart 🤣
